eEF-2 Phosphorylation Down-Regulates P-Glycoprotein Over-Expression in Rat Brain Microvessel Endothelial Cells

ObjectiveWe investigated whether glutamate, NMDA receptors, and eukaryote elongation factor-2 kinase (eEF-2K)/eEF-2 regulate P-glycoprotein expression, and the effects of the eEF-2K inhibitor NH125 on the expression of P-glycoprotein in rat brain microvessel endothelial cells (RBMECs).MethodsCortex was obtained from newborn Wistar rat brains. After surface vessels and meninges were removed, the pellet containing microvessels was resuspended and incubated at 37°C in culture medium. Cell viability was assessed by the MTT assay. RBMECs were identified by immunohistochemistry with anti-vWF. P-glycoprotein, phospho-eEF-2, and eEF-2 expression were determined by western blot analysis. Mdr1a gene expression was analyzed by RT-PCR.ResultsMdr1a mRNA, P-glycoprotein and phospho-eEF-2 expression increased in L-glutamate stimulated RBMECs. P-glycoprotein and phospho-eEF-2 expression were down-regulated after NH125 treatment in L-glutamate stimulated RBMECs.ConclusionseEF-2K/eEF-2 should have played an important role in the regulation of P-glycoprotein expression in RBMECs. eEF-2K inhibitor NH125 could serve as an efficacious anti-multidrug resistant agent.     

Cranial Suture Regeneration Mitigates Skull and Neurocognitive Defects in Craniosynostosis

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Cyclase‐associated protein 1 is a key negative regulator of milk synthesis and proliferation of bovine mammary epithelial cells

Adenylyl cyclase‐associated protein (CAP) is a highly conserved protein. Previous reports have suggested that CAP1 may be a negative regulator of cellular proliferation, migration, and adhesion and the development of cell carcinomas. The molecular mechanism of CAP1 regulation of downstream pathways, as well as how CAP1 is regulated by environmental stimuli and upstream signalling, is not well understood. In this present study, we assessed the role of CAP1 in milk synthesis and proliferation of bovine mammary epithelial cells. Using gene overexpression and silencing methods, CAP1 was found to negatively regulate milk synthesis and proliferation of cells via the PI3K‐mTOR/SREBP‐1c/Cyclin D1 signalling pathway. Hormones, such as prolactin and oestrogen, and amino acids, such as methionine and leucine, stimulate MMP9 expression and trigger CAP1 degradation, and thus, abrogate its inhibition of synthesis of milk protein, fat, and lactose by and proliferation of bovine mammary epithelial cells. The results of our study help deepen our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying milk synthesis and aid in characterizing the molecular mechanisms of CAP1. Previous reports have suggested that CAP1 is a negative regulator of cellular proliferation and anabolism, but the molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. In this present study, we identified CAP1 as a negative regulator of milk synthesis and proliferation of bovine mammary epithelial cells. Our results will deepen our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying milk synthesis and aid in exploring the molecular mechanisms of CAP1.     

A global invasion by the thrip,Frankliniella occidentalis: Current virus vector status and its management

Western flower thrip, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), is among the most economically important agricultural pests globally, attacking a wide range of vegetable and horticultural crops. In addition to causing extensive crop damage, the species is notorious for vectoring destructive plant viruses, mainly belonging to the genera Orthotospovirus, Ilarvirus, Alphacarmovirus and Machlomovirus. Once infected by orthotospoviruses, thrips can remain virulent throughout their lifespan and continue transmitting viruses to host plants when and wherever they feed. These irruptive viral outbreaks in crops will permanently disrupt functional integrated pest management systems, and typically require a remedial treatment involving insecticides, contributing to further development of insecticide resistance. To mitigate against this continuing cycle, the most effective management is early and comprehensive surveillance of the pest species and recognition of plant viruses in the field. This review provides information on the pest status of F. occidentalis, discusses the current global status of the viruses vectored by this thrip species, examines the mechanisms involved in transmitting virus‐induced diseases by thrips, and reviews different management strategies, highlighting the potential management tactics developed for various cropping systems. The early surveillance and the utilization of potential methods for control of both F. occidentalis and viruses are proposed.     

Molecular dynamics simulation of isothermal crystallisation of polymer chains around single polymer lamella

The isothermal crystallisation of polyethylene (PE) chains around single PE lamella in vacuum is investigated by molecular dynamic simulation. The crystallisation process is analysed in terms of the orientational order parameters, principal moments of inertia for the simulated systems. The effects of charge interactions between the polymer chains and lamella are discussed. It is found that the crystallisation process for uncharged systems can be divided into three stages: (1) adsorption, (2) orientation and (3) arrangement. The single polymer lamella changes a little during the three stages. PE chains are arranged parallel to the chain direction of the stems in the crystalline state. When considering the effect of charge interactions between the polymer chains and lamella, a different crystallisation process appears. The single polymer lamella is affected by the charged polymer chains.     

Foliar Spraying of 6-Benzylaminopurine Promotes Growth and Flavonoid Accumulation in Mulberry (Morus alba L.)

Journal of Plant Growth Regulation - Mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf, a “source of both medicine and food”, contains antioxidant ingredients such as flavonoids, alkaloids and polyphenols....